Paul Frank Ricciardi, age 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, August 7, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Paul was born on December 8, 1952, in Quincy, Massachusetts, to the late Paul and Rose (Youdis) Ricciardi. He grew up in Wollaston in a close-knit Italian American family and was the youngest of four siblings. Paul graduated from North Quincy High School in 1971 and later attended Wentworth Institute of Technology and Boston University. Though Quincy was always home, Paul also spent many years living in Norwell.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Laurie (O’Soro) Ricciardi; three children, Valerie and her husband Argo, Alexander and his wife Deanna, and his youngest daughter Renée; two grandchildren, Elaina and Marcus; a brother, Robert and his wife Susan; and a sister-in-law, Dana. He was predeceased by his sister, Gloria, and his brother, Stephen.

Paul was a passionate real estate developer and builder whose career reflected both his entrepreneurial spirit and his lifelong love of building. His work throughout Greater Boston and the South Shore ranged from commercial projects and multifamily developments to residential subdivisions and single-family homes. He was particularly known for the beautiful Colonial and Greek Revival homes he built, reflecting his deep appreciation for traditional New England architecture and design.

His career began with the family businesses, Ricciardi Granite Company and the Quincy Memorial Company of West Quincy, where he worked alongside his father and brother Stephen and learned the crafts of construction, masonry, and renovation. He later helped oversee restoration work on historic properties, including the Quincy Market buildings and the Mercantile and Union Wharf buildings in Boston.

He was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Wollaston, where he served as a trustee and on various boards and committees. He gave generously of his time, talents, and resources to support the church and the community it served. Among his efforts, he spearheaded successful fundraising projects, including a commemorative brick campaign and a cellular communications project within the church steeple, helping support the church for years to come.

Paul was deeply involved in Freemasonry and was affiliated with Boston Lafayette Lodge of Perfection, Rural Lodge, and numerous other Masonic organizations. He served as Master of Milton Lodge, President of the South Shore Shrine Club, Monarch of Taleb Grotto, and Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. In 2020, Paul was proud to receive the Meritorious Service Award in recognition of his dedication and service to the Masonic fraternity. He leaves behind many Masonic brethren whose friendship and fellowship meant so much to him.

Paul was known for his friendly banter, vivid storytelling, and jovial spirit. He had a way of drawing people in and making even an ordinary story memorable. He was a devoted dog lover and shared a special bond with Abbey, the family’s yellow Lab, with whom he is undoubtedly reunited in heaven.

A perfect summer day for Paul would be spent in his boat, cruising the North River or exploring the waters around Cape Ann, Cape Cod, and Martha’s Vineyard. In earlier years, he enjoyed scuba diving, often heading out locally in search of lobsters. He had a lifelong interest in American history, classic films, photography, and jazz music. He enjoyed a good steak and a dry martini, with Dizzy Gillespie or Miles Davis playing in the background.

Paul faced pancreatic cancer with remarkable resilience, living far beyond his initial prognosis. His family is deeply grateful to the physicians, nurses, and staff at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center for the extraordinary care and compassion they showed him throughout his illness.

Paul lived a full life defined by family, friendship, hard work, and laughter. His humor, unmistakable personality, and famous homemade gnocchi will be deeply missed.

A celebration of life and Masonic service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Wollaston, 81 Prospect Avenue, Quincy, on Tuesday, September 22, at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Paul’s name to the First Baptist Church of Wollaston, 81 Prospect Avenue, Quincy, MA 02170 (www.firstbaptistchurchofwollaston.org) or to Shriners Children’s Boston, Office of Philanthropy, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114 (www.shrinerschildrens.org).